Seeking justice through service

An Advent Reflection for Tuesday of the First Week of Advent, December 5, 2017by Gary Tester, Executive Director

“Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.” (Psalm 72:7)

Today’s psalm, written thousands of years ago in adoration and praise to our God, is a blueprint for the work of Catholic Charities today. We strive to see His justice flourish as we embrace the children, men and women who come to us each and every day desiring and seeking a spirit of understanding, needing someone to help them out of their despair. In their turbulent lives we endeavor, with meager resources and mighty faith, to offer them profound peace. We’ve not yet met the family we didn’t somehow figure out a way to help. We rarely can provide all that we desire to, and yet our desire to help continues.

We rescue the poor who cry out for mercy in the form of food, water, shelter, etc. We hold and care for the afflicted when the world says not to. Our hearts are filled with an overflowing love as we see the beauty of our brothers and sisters in their need. Whether helping a family to move from a car to an apartment, helping someone gain employment, helping a homeless veteran reconnect with family, or providing food to a family that has just grown by six members as extended family arrive from Puerto Rico, we respond with tender compassion. We reach out to them just as God reaches out to us through His Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Take heart! This day, we are grateful for the opportunity provided to walk with Him through our ministry to those who come through our doors. Lord, help us to prepare ourselves to celebrate your Son, Jesus, with those we are privileged to serve!